Georgia Travel Diary

Starting from Tbilisi airport on the way to Gudauri, the first spot was Zhinvali Dam a hydroelectric dam on the Aragvi River.Then Ananuri church a 17th century architecture. We were so early and the church was closed. Our guide told that all churches will be open by 8:30 only. Since sacraments has to be taken care odd hours it will be closed.

Its a breathtaking church on the bank of reservoir

We checked into Tsar Bani Spa Resort Gudauri, our homely Georgian stay.And now on the way to Mt Kazbek .We had a beautiful Georgian breakfast starting with a rice porridge. We could see herds of sheep. It was a nice drive where you can feel the cloud and smell the sheep . And here comes the tunnels that are used in winter when the roads are covered with snow.Now we are at 2400 m above sea level.

14th century Gergeti Trinity Church

We had an awesome ride to Kazbegi with Mr Gocha in a Russian car latanova . George took us from Gudauri to Stepantsminda. From Stepantsminda it was Gocha who took us. Now we are back to Gudauri with George. On the way back here comes another tunnel.And we were back to Tsar Bani spa resort.

An amazing Georgian experience.

We just went out for a walk down the hill. We had to pass two to three hairpins to reach out restaurant Gia where we had khachapuri, khinkali, sheep barbecue and Georgian drinks. Then we were back to our room and had a sound sleep. Got up at 700 pm and the sun was there shining so bright. The sunset was by 8:30 pm. We had dinner and went to sleep. Morning we got up at 7:00 had the Turkish coffee.Went for a walk and then had the Russian steam bath and aromatherapy. The eucalyptus steam filled our spirits and we were relaxed and refreshed.We had the homely breakfast and checked out for another journey. George is here to collect us. On the way we stopped to buy Georgian wild honey and blackberry honey.

Georgia Travel Akhaltsikhe

Now on the way to Akhaltsikhe Rabati Castle. We stopped at Pori restaurant and had sheep soup , cow barbeque , kebab and bread with tomato soup.We started from Russian border and now at 20 km to border of Turkey. From the petrol station we could see the shining golden dome of Rabati Castle .After visiting Rabati castle now on the way back to Tbilisi. Rabati castle is of 12 th Century and renovated in 2012. It tells the history of all abrahamic religions. A mosque, synagogue and church can be seen. There is also museum that displays artifacts that was unearthed by British petroleum during their exploration.

On the way from Akhaltsikhe to Tbilisi visited Green Monastery, a monastery in the midst of trees, plants and streams.Sparkling water from the green hills filled the silence of Green Monastery.

“I love Kakheti.Now we are at telavi main city of Kakheti .”

Visited Prince Alexander museum and wine estate. Prince Alexander started first winery in Georgia . The museum has his room which displays his belongings,200 year old piano, a dining room with Russian and French vessels ,chandeliers with candles and much more to add to its beauty.Georgian and European style wine tasting as well.In the wine estate there is a wish tree where people put a ribbon to fulfill their wishes.

On the way to ilia lake we stopped to take a snap of Gremi monastery 16th centaury architecture.We had a lovely lunch at kudigori restaurant .Tolma(vine leaf filled with meat),roasted chicken,Georgian bread made of corn flour and green salad.

Now on the way to St Nino(Georgian evangelist of 4th century) monastery at Bodbe located 2 km from the city of love Sighnaghi. Monastery is nested among tall cypress trees and has an amazing view of Alazani valley.

Mtskheta and Tbilisi City Tour

Tunic(Seamless robe of Jesus) of our Lord lies in Mtskheta. Its a belief that passed from generation to generation. According to the Gospel of John, the soldiers who crucified Jesus did not divide his tunic after crucifying him, but cast lots to determine who would keep it because it was woven in one piece, without seam.The original church was built in 4th century A.D. during the reign of Mirian III. St. Nino is said to have chosen the confluence of the Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers as the place of the first Georgian Church.

According to Georgian hagiography, in the 1st century AD a Georgian Jew from Mtskheta named Elias was in Jerusalem when Jesus was crucified. Elias bought Jesus’ robe from a Roman soldier at Golgotha and brought it back to Georgia. Returning to his native city, he was met by his sister Sidonia who upon touching the robe immediately died from the emotions engendered by the sacred object. The robe could not be removed from her grasp, so she was buried with it.The place where Sidonia is buried with Christ’s robe is preserved in the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral.

On the way to Svetitskhoveli Cathedral there are lot small shops where you can get Churchkhela-Georgian traditional candy, threaded walnut dipped in grape sauce, blackberries and raspberries.Then we had our lunch and went for some souvenir shopping.Mtatsminda Amusement Park was another attraction where we had a giant wheel experience, some selfies in the wax museum and a cable car ride down the hill. Hospitality of Georgians is something that I should not miss to mention. We came down the hill via Funicular train and was waiting for our guide. We were standing idle for few minutes and the locals were so good and asked us do you need any help. Our cellphone  had no network and they were generous to give their mobile to make any calls.

And now back to our own Qatar a home away from home.